1. An Adaptable e-Service Communication Model for Rural Agricultural Extension (e-AgriSERVICOM)
Olutayo Ajayi , Babarinde Oluwaseyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – Ogun State, Nigeria
WACREN e-Research Hackfest – Lagos (Nigeria)

2. Outline
Abstract
The Scientific Problem area
Procedures and Workflow
Data Gathering Mechanism
Potential of the e-Service Application
Project Timeline
Computational and data model
Implementation strategy

3. Abstract
Agricultural extension finds itself at a time of crisis. Many of today's agricultural extension services are suffering under bureaucratic centralised management structures. Squeezed by decentralization policies, diminishing public funds and the privatization of public services, they are urgently in need of change. The design is to come up with communication model using web and mobile technology to reinvent agricultural extension to improve the kind of information that is being disseminated to farmers

4. Scientific Problem Area
Proposed wide applications:
To engage the use of mobile devices that permits communication through interaction and transmission
Facilitation of effective gathering, deposition, processing, retrieval, display, dissemination and exchange of information
Identified problem domains:
Established technical practices going obsolete
Increased organizational costs
Reduction and disruption of extension staff
Distraction from farming practice
Costs of high profile equipment/gadgets

5. Application defined Procedures and Workflow
Machine dependent Procedures:
Web-based query system with multilingual capabilities
Agro-Expert advice mechanism
Lightweight mobile delivery report mechanism
Use of real-time datasets from third party platforms with regard to forecasting
User-end workflow
Engage the gadget on real-time basis
Provide suggestions according to queries
Keep up-to-date regarding the upgrades and new technologies domicile on the platform

6. Data Gathering Mechanism
Data migration process from farmers
Use of mobile devices to submit personalized farming history
Data filtering and analysis
Recording of field events through video integration
Use of knowledge bank for expert advisory purpose

7. Potentials of the e-Service Application
Internet-based mobile phone for extension service delivery
Convergence of mobile platforms for extension message delivery
Mobile video and audio component for documentation of extension messages
Support low requirement bandwidth utilization using text and voice tool for extension services
Combine use of mobile devices to stimulate interactive social communication among rural dwellers for transformation of their social economic wellbeing.

8. Computational and data model

9. Implementation strategy
e-Infrastructures
Futuregateway framework– authentication, authorization of users to e-AgriSERVICOM to manage users’ activities.
gLibrary – cloud storage for repository of research publications
OAR (Open Access Repository) – Online storage of media content
Ophidia – data mining for early warning, weather, climate and information.

10. Implementation strategy
Technical Specifications - Features
Web, mobile-web & mobile-app
Media upload & download
Private & instant messaging
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Information contribution and sharing
Agent networking
Knowledge-base,discussion board
Third party integration 10

11. Implementation strategy
Technical Specifications - Functionalities
Real-time optimized technology & market-driven info.
Recommender System
Repository - publications, media
Analysis of data 11

12. Prospects & Benefits
Creating an online ecosystem for the sustainable development of agriculture.
Bridging the wide gap among agents in the sector.
Facilitate an effective and efficient demand-supply chain
Viable means of agricultural information system
Publishing and implementation of research work
Generation, access and availability of statistical data
Training and empowerment opportunities e.g. loans, grants 12

13. Thank you!
sci-gaia.eu